In a decisive crackdown on oil theft and illegal refining activities across the Niger Delta, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have arrested 71 suspects and destroyed 14 illicit refining sites in various states within the region.

According to a statement released on Monday by Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, the operations, which took place between July 21 and August 10, led to the recovery of over 33,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

Jonah revealed that in Rivers State, particularly at Kilometre 45 in Degema Local Government Area, two illegal refining facilities were dismantled, resulting in the seizure of more than 22,500 litres of stolen fuel. The military also neutralized two wooden boats used in these unlawful activities. Additionally, in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, troops intercepted two wooden boats loaded with eight sacks of stolen crude oil.

Operations along the fringes of the Imo River resulted in the shutdown of five illegal refining sites. At locations including Obuzor in Abia State and Okoloma and Oyingbo in Rivers State, the army confiscated 16 drum pots, two drum receivers, and over 2,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. They also discovered and secured a dug-out pit containing more than 1,500 litres of illicit fuel.

In Bayelsa State, around Bassambiri in Nembe Local Government Area, troops raided a storage facility and seized 16 units of 30-litre jerry cans filled with stolen fuel. At Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, another illegal refining site was uncovered with over 1,200 litres of stolen petroleum recovered. Several additional joint raids with sister security services led to the arrest of multiple suspects across the state.

Meanwhile, in Delta State, a vehicle bearing registration number AG 02 KWR was intercepted at Omuseti junction along the Kwale-Ozoro road in Ndokwa West LGA. The vehicle was loaded with 31 units of 25-litre jerry cans filled with stolen Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO).

Major General Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 6 Division, commended informants who provided crucial intelligence. He emphasized that all recovered products undergo verification to confirm their authenticity. Genuine products are returned to their rightful owners in accordance with the mandate of Operation DELTA SAFE.

Emekah further stressed that all arrested individuals involved in economic sabotage have been handed over to relevant agencies for prosecution, reinforcing the army’s commitment to curbing oil theft and securing the Niger Delta.